STATE CHAMPIONS!

published Sunday, May 8, 2004

On Saturday, May 8th, the Pioneers fought for and won the title of State Champions in the 4A classification. For the Seniors this games was the culmination of four years of work and determination. They had been to the finals the two previous years only to be denied, last year by the very team and many of the same players they faced this year. But I know that Sylvan Hills was their opponent of choice in this game. They had something to prove and a score to settle and only facing the Bears could give them the opportunity they desired. They came into Baum Stadium grim-faced and determined to play the game of their careers, and that is exactly what they got. A battle of very evenly matched competitors, both giving their all to win. It was a great game to witness, both teams hitting well, playing great defense and being coached by two of the best in the state. If you weren't their, you don't know what you missed, if you were I know you will always remember it.

Senior Pitcher Grant Gatlin takes the mound in the top of the 1st inning for the Pioneers. He strikes out 2, with only 1 of the Bears reaching base on the first and only Pioneer error of the game. The Pioneers answer with lead off hits by Kyle Francis and Woody Skinner. A perfect double steal places them both in scoring position. Francis scores when 3rd baseman Jeremy Burba grounds out and Evan Eary (who relieved Skinner on 3rd)scores when center fielder Patrick Smith adds another single. The Bears get on the board when a lead off double in the 3rd is scored on a sac fly bringing the score to 2 - 1 Pioneers. In the bottom of the 4th the Pioneers make it 3 - 1 when a lead off walk by Weldon Davis eventually scores, brought in by Woody Skinner with an rbi single. In the top of the 6th with 1 out, back to back singles prompts a pitching change for the Pioneers. Jeremy Burba takes the mound and another single loads the bases. He hits the next batter forcing in a run. The Bears attempt a squeeze play at this point to take the lead. However, the batter misses the bunt leaving the runner in the unenviable position of being in a rundown with Woody Skinner on one side and Andy Rogers on the other. He didn't make it. The score is now tied 3-3 after six. The Pioneers step up their defense and the Bears turn on the heat in the seventh. A long hit into center field leaves a Bear on third base when the batter hits right back to pitcher Jeremy Burba. The runner freezes half way between third and home and Jeremy just runs over and tags him out. The last out comes when a Bear batter bowls over 1st Baseman Bradley Fletcher in an attempt to dislodge the ball, but he fails and their at bat ends. The Pioneers threaten in the 7th when Fletcher doubles and Gatlin is intentionally walked but both are left on. In the 8th with 2 outs and a runner at first, 3rd baseman Andy Rogers makes a great diving catch and throws to second for the last out. In the ninth, the Pioneers shut the bears down quickly with their 3rd double play of the game. Down to the wire now the Pioneers prove what they are made of. Woody Skinner drives a ball into the outfield for a double. He advances to third when Burba reaches on the Bears only error of the game. With 2 outs, I might have walked Gatlin to load the bases and put a force on everywhere, but for some reason Coach Tipton chose not to. This decision may haunt him, because Gatlin hit a nice one into the outfield, ending the game when Skinner crossed the plate. Although, it appeared he may have been trying to take the plate. Judge for yourself from the picture. Final Score: Pioneers - 4, Bears - 3 in 9 innings.

I would like to offer my congratulations to the Pioneers and their Coaches for a great year. You worked hard, and have received your just reward. I would also like to thank them. It's been great guys. You make me very proud to have been even a little part of something so great. No matter what awaits you in life, nothing can take this away from you. You are Champions, now and forever, in baseball and in the hearts of those who love you. And please take the time to thank those that helped you along the way. Hold on to Rope!